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Help with identification of axe head?

Discussion in 'Axes, Mauls, and Hand Saws' started by JoJoJones, Jun 3, 2014.

  1. JoJoJones

    JoJoJones

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    Hi

    Found this axe head out in the bush, northern Vancouver island, near large old rotten stumps (some 8ft across, others more). All the stumps have at least four plank scars (two on each side, so dudes could stand and saw with a two man saw). so gave me the impression these were downed some time ago.
    Was hoping to figure out if this axe head was old (as in 80+ years old) or just old (as in left out there 5 years ago).
    No actual brand is imprinted, other than what looks like a 3 (for 3 lbs?)
    And the other distinguishing marks are that it has what appears to be two screw holes, for pinning to the handle?
    Would be superb any help at all -thank you!
    I've uploaded 4 pics axehead_possiblebrand.jpg axehead_otherside.jpg axehead_bottomview.jpg axehead_topview.jpg
     
  2. Well Seasoned

    Well Seasoned Administrator

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    Sheeesh, I have no idea....:popcorn:
     
  3. BrianK

    BrianK

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    No idea, but subscribing to thread in hopes of finding out.
     
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  4. Gary_602z

    Gary_602z

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    Might PM Scotty I thought he collected them.
     
  5. Scotty Overkill

    Scotty Overkill Administrator

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    I collect old trade axes and tomahawks, some dating back to the 1600's and older. That particular Axe looks to be a early to mid 19th century handmade felling axe, and given your location could very well be something that was traded by the Hudson Bay Trade Co. I can't be certain but it has the look and style of such a piece. Either way, the fact that you found it it the bush is fascinating. .....imagine how long it's been laying there!
     
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  6. splitoak

    splitoak

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    That is sweet...id clean er up and use it to split kindling...
     
    Jon_Seim and My IS heats my home like this.
  7. My IS heats my home

    My IS heats my home

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    ya, get a nice handle and use it.
    At the least a nice conversation piece
     
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  8. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    A light cleaning and a stained tiger maple handle would look great. Nice find.
     
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  9. Dancan

    Dancan

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    Sorry to drag up an old thread , my best guess would be Swedish , polly military issue .
     
  10. LodgedTree

    LodgedTree

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    You can tell the head had to be pinned to the head because they beat so many wedges in with it. As you guys probably know, the worst thing you can do to a pole axe like this is beat in wedges. Because of the shape of the hole for the axe handle, beating in wedges forces the steel outward from the sides of the axe handle (oblongs the hole) so the head slips out, therefore pinning was required. A two bit axe works much better for beating in wedges because you pound them in with the side of the blade and thus do not oblong the head. But here in Maine where the pole axe was practically born, getting a two bit axe is like finding Douglas Fir; pretty darn rare. Too bad. I had a nice one a few years ago but left it in the woods, I got it narrowed down to about 10 acres though!
     
  11. Dancan

    Dancan

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    Some of the swede mil issue axes I've seen were pinned, it was a tool , destined for abuse.

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